Connecticut voters, feeling more optimistic about the economy, have pushed Gov. John
Rowland's job approval rating up slightly, but it still is a negative 37 - 52 percent,
according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Gov. Rowland had a 31 - 58 percent approval rating in a July 31 poll by the
independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University, and a negative 35 - 55 percent
approval in an October 9 poll.

A total of 47 percent of Connecticut voters are "very satisfied" or "somewhat
satisfied" with the way things are going in the state today, while 52 percent are
"somewhat dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied." This compares to a 42 - 57
"satisfaction" rating October 9.

The state's economy will get better in the next year, 38 percent of voters say, while
13 percent say it will get worse and 47 percent say it will stay the same. In October, the
"optimism" rating was 30 - 17 percent, with 50 percent seeing no change.

"Gov. Rowland's approval rating is still dismal, with only 37 percent of
Connecticut voters approving of the job he is doing. This is the second poll in a row,
however, where Rowland's approval has inched upward," said Quinnipiac University Poll
Director Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D.

"Part of the explanation for Rowland's slightly better numbers is that voters are
feeling better about the economy. In the wake of good national economic news, voter
ratings of Connecticut's economy are up 9 percentage points from the October 10 poll.
Moreover, optimistic sentiment about the economy has increased 8 percentage points,"
Dr. Schwartz added.

The state's economy is "excellent" or "good," 39 percent of voters say, as 61
percent rate the economy "not so good" or "poor." This compares to 30 - 69 percent
rating last month.

The Connecticut state legislature's low 38 - 45 percent approval rating also is a
slight improvement from 35 - 49 percent in the October 9 Quinnipiac University poll.

Rowland has strong leadership qualities, voters say 56- 38 percent. But he gets
negative scores on other character traits:

37 - 52 percent that he is honest and trustworthy;

37 - 56 percent that he cares about voters' needs and problems;

35 - 54 percent that he has high ethical standards.

Rowland also gets negative ratings for his handling of key issues:

26 - 65 percent for handling the state budget;

44 - 46 percent for handling education;

31 - 61 percent for handling the economy and jobs;

27 - 67 percent for handling taxes;

28 - 51 percent for handling appointments to high level positions.

Most Connecticut voters - 56 percent - want to leave in place the statewide ban on
smoking in restaurants, while 35 percent say the law should provide for designated
smoking rooms and 8 percent say the ban should be eliminated.

Looking at bars, however, only 36 percent support a complete smoking ban, while
38 percent support designated smoking rooms and 24 percent say eliminate the ban.

From November 12 - 18, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,600 Connecticut
registered voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll conducts public opinion surveys in New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and the nation as a public service and for
research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu and quicklinks

TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way John Rowland is handling his job
as Governor?

30. Which comes closest to your view regarding bars:
A)The legislature should leave the ban on smoking in bars in place.
B)The legislature should allow smoking in designated rooms in bars.
C)The legislature should eliminate the ban on smoking in bars.